For the past thirty years Alfa Romeo have had no involvement in Formula One.
Prior to that the Italian manufacturer had competed as both a constructor and engine supplier, off and on from before Formula One began in 1950.
They won both the 1950 and 1951 Formula One drivers championships with Nino Farina and Juan Manuel Fangio.
In 2018, due to Sauber’s ever tight relationship with Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, which is part of the Fiat-Chrysler group will become Sauber’s title sponsor.
CEO of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles Sergio Marchionne told sauberf1team.com: ?This agreement with the Sauber F1 Team is a significant step in the reshaping of the Alfa Romeo brand, which will return to Formula 1 after an absence of more than 30 years. A storied marque that has helped make the history of this sport, Alfa Romeo will join other major automakers that participate in Formula 1. The brand itself will also benefit from the sharing of technology and strategic know-how with a partner of the Sauber F1 Team?s undisputed experience. The Alfa Romeo engineers and technicians, who have already demonstrated their capabilities with the newly-launched models, Giulia and Stelvio, will have the opportunity to make that experience available to the Sauber F1 Team. At the same time, Alfa Romeo fans will once again have the opportunity to support an automaker that is determined to begin writing an exciting new chapter in its unique, legendary sporting history.?
Sauber have also confirmed their driver line-up for 2018 along with a new concept livery celebrating the partnership with Alfa Romeo.
Not to mention we have also just revealed the livery concept show car for the #F1 #2018 #AlfaRomeoSauberF1Team challenger 😍👏👏 pic.twitter.com/9HMNC6ILLG
? Sauber F1 Team (@SauberF1Team) 2 December 2017
As expected Marcus Ericsson keeps his seat within the team and he is joined by Ferrari development driver and Formula 2 Champion Charles Leclerc.
That leaves Pascal Wehrlein looking unlikely to secure a seat within Formula One in 2018, with Williams the only team to not confirm their driver line-up.
What a day !!! I will be racing with Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team for the 2018 Formula 1 World Championship. Thanks to everyone who helped me to get there. A lot of work to do and will give my absolute best on track next year. See you all in Melbourne 😬 pic.twitter.com/9ETKQowpwx
? Charles Leclerc (@Charles_Leclerc) 2 December 2017
